Android Auto:

As Honda has done with the CR-V, the 2016 Honda Accord gets subtle, but important updates leading up to its August 19 debut for the sedan and August 26 launch of the coupe. Adding the Honda Sensing suite of electronic features brings the Accord equal or superior to competition in terms of electronic driver’s aids. Costing a mere $1,000 Honda Sensing is available on every model of the Accord. Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Collision Mitigation Braking – all features that can one day be part of an autonomous car.

On the outside the Accord has new styling for its front and rear six inches. The grille, front fascia and headlamps are new as are the taillamps. This improves Accord’s slightly clumsy front and rear styling for the present car. Engines are unchanged with a 3.5L V6 and 2.4L I4, but the 4-cylinder highway fuel economy has improved by 1-mpg to 37mpg. City and combined numbers are unchanged. This improvement results from aerodynamics and friction improvements. Overall, Honda has gone through the Accord finessing each system: high performance shocks, better control for the electric power steering system, aluminum hood on the sedan, larger front disc brakes on the Sport and Touring models.

The interior has been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available in the Display Audio system. The instrument panel has been upgraded with new gauges and accents. The interior trim has upgraded materials and fabrics. The center console has been redesigned to be more functional with today’s smartphones.

Because the 2016 Honda Accord is a high volume sedan and coupe, it can maintain pricing discipline. The base LX model price remains the same at $22,925. The top of the line Touring model is $35,400 including destination and with all boxes checked.

Just for fun, comparing the Accord Sedan to the Lexus GS350 yields a surprise. The two cars are almost identical in size with the Lexus having a longer wheelbase for its rear wheel drive set-up. Interior wise, the Accord is actually larger than the Lexus in several important dimensions. Accord’s 3.5L V6 gets 28 fewer horsepower than the Lexus’ 3.5L V6, but it still feels good. So saving about $23,000 getting a fully loaded Accord Touring versus a Lexus GS might make good sense.